.223 AI 55g powder suggestions

[jglover_81]

I have a 26" factory barrel that Sinman (should be back to me Monday) has reamed to a .223AI with a 1:9 twist. I want to shoot 55g V-max's and am looking for powder suggestions. Thanks for any help!

[laportecharlie]

Tac and Benchmark work well for me. Others have had very good luck with H335.
Charlie

[dcloco]

H4895 and RL15 work very well too.

[GaCop]

All the powders mentioned pretty much cover it. I too am expecting a 223AI barrel from Devin. Mine is 1 in 8 twist for the heavier bullets. I want to try the Berger 82 gr VLD at 1k. I know even the 223AI is marginal out at 1k, I just want to see if I can do it.

[jglover_81]

Thanks for all the help guys!!

[dcloco]

All the powders mentioned pretty much cover it. I too am expecting a 223AI barrel from Devin. Mine is 1 in 8 twist for the heavier bullets. I want to try the Berger 82 gr VLD at 1k. I know even the 223AI is marginal out at 1k, I just want to see if I can do it.

Wait until you try it. 223 AI with heavy for caliber bullets will do extremely well at 1K....even in the wind. Might I suggest 80 gr AMax with H4895 or RL15?

[nova1194]

I guess I am going to have to go get a can of 4895 and try it, I have tried at least 10 different 40 to 55 grain bullets with H335 and varget and so far the only combo under an inch has been 40gr v-maxes and H335, I have a factory stainless fluted barrel that has been rechambered, it has a 1-9 twist so I would think it would do better with the heavier bullets.

Mike

[GaCop]

dcloco............yup, got those waiting to be tried too along with 75 gr Bergers and A-Max.

[GaCop]

Nova1194..........about the max your going to be able to push with accuracy in the 1 in 9 twist will be 70 grain Bergers. I did have some fairly good results in a factory 1 in 9 using 75 grain A-Max. Each barrel is an enigma, you just have to try various weights to see how they will do.

My 1 in 8 twist 223 REALLY surprised my by shooting some of the best groups I've ever gotten using the 52 grain SMKs. The same bullet shoots 3/4" MOA in my 16" M4gery carbine at 100 meters.

[dcloco]

The bearing length of the bullet is the operating factor in what will or will not stabilize in the various twists. Generally, heavier the bullet, longer the bearing length, but not always.

75 AMax stabilize in all of my 1:9 twist barrels - factory Savage to AR's with Wilson barrel.

[GaCop]

Oh joy! My 223 AI barrel arrived. I'll be in the shop this morning completing another build. Devin rules!

[jglover_81]

I also got mine yesterday! Gonna try to get it put together tonight!

[GaCop]

Devin Rules!

Took the 223 AI barreled rifle to the range yesterday with the first loads to be fired in the Sinarms barre.l Loaded in Win AI formed brass (by previous owner), case weight of 94.5 grains. Fired 69 grain SMKs pushed by 24.5, 24.6, 24.7 24.8 grains of H4895. The first five were used to sight in and averaged 2995 fps on the chronograph. Results are as follows:

1. 24.6 gr., 2.940" OAL, MV: 3039 fps, .683" five shot group at 100 meters.

2. 24.7 gr _ MV: 3040 fps, .539" group.

3. 24.8 gr _ MV: 3061 fps, .394" group. Looks like 24.8 grains may be a first node so will start working around that charge. All loads .010" off the lands.

[Blackwell bikes]

AA 2015, Benchmark, H335, H4895, TAC Are all recommend powders in the .223 with 50-60gr bullets. I image the AI'ed 223 would shoot well with the same powders